Sister Wives: Kody Insulted Meri With His “Barndominium” Plan (Why Does He Put Her Down Like This?)

Sister Wives star Kody Brown hatched a new plot that's reminiscent of his Coyote Pass disaster. Will the patriarch build a "barndominium"?

Maurice BenardOctober 10, 2023

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Kody sank to new depths when he suggested that Meri live in a barn/loft structure called a “barndominium.”
Meri’s self-esteem is severely impacted by Kody’s neglect and mistreatment, and it’s clear that he doesn’t value her or their relationship.
She looked crestfallen when he talked about putting her in the structure, which would also house cars and other belongings that he doesn’t have room for at his “real” house.

In Sister Wives season 18, Kody Brown hatched a strange “Barndominium” plot that made Meri feel small. When Kody interacts with Meri, he usually ends up putting her down, and this time was no exception. While he’s seemingly oblivious to his own callousness, there’s a pretty good chance that he’s mean on purpose, just to send a clear and unmistakable message about their relationship. During the latest episode, “The Writing Is On The Wall,” Meri started talking about her plans to move away from Flagstaff. Kody suggested a dismal alternative, which was living in a “barndominium” that would house stuff that he doesn’t have room for in his “real” home.

Kody and Robyn actually live in a very fancy home in Flagstaff, but apparently, the upscale residence doesn’t have it all, because Kody needs more space for his belongings and cars. So, he’s fantasizing about building a “barndominium” where he can store everything, including Meri. A “barndominium” is a barn with a loft in it. The structure doubles as a barn and private residence. Last night, during the most recent Sister Wives season 18 episode, Kody’s scheme was shocking. When it comes to Meri, his insensitivity’s almost incomprehensible. However, there’s a good reason why Kody’s probably just trying to get a rise out of Meri. He could have an agenda.

Kody’s Posing As A Polygamist To Keep Robyn’s Respect

When it comes to reality show stars Meri and Janelle Brown, Kody’s faking any interest. While he seems to at least try with Janelle, the truth may be darker. During the episode, Kody shared an interesting fact. He said that he was staying in plural marriage because he was afraid that Robyn wouldn’t respect him if he bailed out. This was something a bit unusual and interesting. At that point, he may not have realized that Robyn also wanted monogamy. She didn’t reveal that publicly until after the season was filmed.

So, trying to halfheartedly find a way for Meri to stay in Flagstaff was likely just part of his agenda – pleasing Robyn. Of course, he doesn’t really want Meri anywhere in his orbit. He’s neglected her for years, seriously damaging her fragile self-esteem. He may have been playing the same game when he took Janelle to the ritzy Mariposa eatery during a jaunty, “first date.” He’s not trying to help his “other” wives – he’s trying to impress Robyn. Kody’s totally in love with Robyn.

Is Kody Just Playing A Part?

With regard to Janelle, he made a telling comment onscreen: “I’ve been in love with her before and I can be in love with her again.” His words and actions are outrageous! Of course, Meri and Janelle are going to be hurt by this stuff. No gentleman would utter such words aloud, knowing that millions of people will hear them. Kody’s off the rails, and that just underscores that fact that his attempts to smooth things over with the wives who are less appealing to him are pure, unadulterated fakery.

It’s sad in a way. In season 18, Janelle’s actually enjoying some aspects of her date with Kody, but something’s, “off.” When she held his hand, she quickly pulled away because it didn’t feel right. That’s probably because Kody’s pretending to care about her to placate Robyn. So, that leaves Janelle feeling bad, but not as bad as Meri felt when he suggested she dwell in his still-imaginary “barndominium.” Meri’s face really fell when he ran that kooky idea by her.

What’s sadder still is the fact that Meri had to bring the decidedly passive-aggressive Robyn along for moral support when she told Kody that she was planning to move away. She didn’t think Kody would really listen to her unless Robyn was there, fighting her corner. However, Robyn has never really fought her corner. In fact, she’s probably hurt her a lot, just by indulging Kody’s whims and pulling him away from his other family ties.

Meri needs to wake up, and she did after season 18. Any lingering hope that she had seems to have died a painful death during the drama-fueled season. Truly, that’s for the best. However, onscreen, it’s tough to watch Kody mistreat her, under the guise of trying to help her. Meri’s not a bad person, and no one deserves that. Kody might point to the catfishing scandal as a convenient excuse for making Meri feel so disposable. However, a good man would never sink to such depths.

When he wasn’t taunting Meri with the “barndominium” idea, which he probably suspected wouldn’t thrill her, he was showing off a great big ring on his finger, and cryptically refusing to explain its significance. Kody’s into jewelry, and prefers bolder designs, such as flashy David Yurman pendants. This ring’s a little gaudier than his pendant. However, it’s not its dubious design that raises questions. It’s the fact that it’s replacing a Claddagh ring. Everyone in the family wore one of those Irish rings. By cruelly flaunting his bling, Kody’s really putting the screws to Meri. There’s no way that isn’t intentional.

Kody’s remarkably selfish in Sister Wives season 18. He’s all about Robyn, and he’s hardened a lot. In fact, Kody’s a very jaded man. Even with his kids, he’s antagonistic. His barn-and-loft dreams are really just him putting himself first one more time. Kody wants room for his junk, and he’s making Meri feel like yet another object that he doesn’t value enough to really prize. For this reason, Kody’s no prize. The man’s a cad, and his non-Robyn wives are discovering just how cold he can be. They’re better off without him, and may even be shocked by who he’s become.